Browse all

level up

B1 informal inseparable both
In simple words

To get better at something or move up to the next stage.

Literal meaning: In a game, to reach the next level by accumulating points or experience.

Meanings

1 A2 informal

In video games, to advance a character to the next level by gaining enough experience or points.

"I stayed up until midnight to level up my character before the tournament."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic informal

(Informal, figurative) to improve one's skills, quality, or overall situation.

"She took an online course to level up her data analysis skills before applying for the job."

"We will level up across Britain."

— Boris Johnson, UK Conservative Party Manifesto, 2019
Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral

(Transitive) to raise the standards, conditions, or opportunities of a place or group.

"The government promised to level up deprived regions by investing in infrastructure and education."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Originally a gaming term (advancing a character to the next level), now extremely common in informal speech and social media to mean improving any skill or situation. Also used in political rhetoric (notably by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson). The transitive use ('level up the economy') is more formal.

Commonly used with

skills career game character economy life

Forms

Base
level up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
levels up
he/she/it
Past simple
leveled up
yesterday
Past participle
leveled up
have + pp
-ing form
leveling up
continuous

Understand "level up" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "level up" on Looplines